240 ALASKA. 



part, and, at the same time, announced their determination to 

 do so no more, in consequence of its liability to misrepresenta- 

 tion. This Government agent left the Seal Islands in 1872, at 

 his own request, on account of the isolation and distance from 

 his family, and has been in Washington, employed in the Treas- 

 ury Department, ever since. Most likely, in this matter Mr. 

 Dall refers to transactions that took place on the islands before 

 the granting of the lease, and of which I have no knowledge 

 other than that of hearsay; but as to what has transpired on 

 these islands since the inauguration of the present state of 

 affairs, I am fully cognizant ; that which took place previous 

 to this is now of no importance. It was a disorderly medley 

 of civil and military authority, and, as near as I can learn, 

 reflects no special credit upon any of the officers concerned on 

 the part of the Government. 



